GRE vs GMAT: Which exam should you take?

GMAT and GRE are two standardized tests widely regarded as primary criteria for international students wishing to study abroad. Students who apply to universities abroad have different academic backgrounds and hence, it becomes difficult to choose between them. Standardized tests play an important role in such cases and become an important deciding factor for the admissions committee. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose the right test to gain a competitive edge.

The main difference between GRE and GMAT is that the GMAT is typically used for admissions to business schools, while the GRE is accepted for most graduate programs, including engineering and law schools. Various business schools in the world also consider both GMAT and GRE scores as part of their admission criteria. This article offers a comprehensive understanding of the major difference between GRE and GMAT, helping you make an informed decision about which test to choose when planning to study abroad.

GRE Exam

GRE is a test best suited for students opting for postgraduate study in law, engineering and other courses. It is one of the most popular graduate admission tests globally. It is a computer based multiple choice standardized exam. This exam is to evaluate the verbal and analytical reasoning of the candidates. ETS is the authority which conducts GRE for the students. The GRE scores are valid for a period of five years from the day the exam was held.

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GRE Exam: Overview

GRE Exam: Structure and Format

The GRE exam consists of 82 questions which include 80 MCQs and 2 descriptive questions. The syllabus for GRE consists of verbal reasoning, analytical writing and quantitative reasoning. The structure of the exam is as follows:

The syllabus for GRE exam is as follows:

General Test Analytical Writing

The analytical writing section tests the candidate’s critical thinking and analytical skills. It consists of two tasks: one to write an argument and second to analyze an issue.

GRE Verbal Reasoning

The verbal reasoning section consists of three sections based on which the universities shortlist the students for the programmes. This section is allotted 60 minutes of time. There are 3 sections and each section is allotted 20 questions.

• Reading Comprehension: It is to test whether the candidate is able to interpret the prose correctly and answer the questions based on it.
• Text Completion: It is to test whether the candidate can answer the blanks after reading the passage provided.
• Sentence Equivalence: It is to test whether the candidate is able to complete the sentences and finish the passage after reading and comprehending the given paragraph.

GRE Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative reasoning section tests whether the candidate has the ability to solve basic mathematical problems or not. The syllabus for quantitative reasoning is normally based only for algebra, data analysis, geometry and arithmetic. A total of 70 minutes is allotted to the students to complete this section.

GMAT Exam

GMAT is the most popular test taken by students opting for management studies abroad. It is also a computer based multiple choice examination. GMAC is the authority which conducts GMAT exams for the students. GMAT scores are valid for a period of five years from the day the exam was held. This test is to evaluate the critical thinking and reasoning of the candidates.

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GMAT Exam: Overview

GMAT Exam: Structure and Format

GMAT exam comprises of four sections:

• Analytical Writing: It is to test and evaluate the critical thinking skills of the candidate.
• Integrated reasoning: It is to test whether the candidate can solve a problem using the data provided in different formats from multiple sources.
• Quantitative Reasoning: It is to test whether the candidate can analyze the data and draw conclusions using their reasoning skill set.
• Verbal Reasoning: It is to test the ability of the candidate to read and comprehend written material and answer questions.

The GMAT exam 2023 format is as follows:

GRE vs GMAT: Understanding Key Differences

GRE vs GMAT: Which is easy?

The answer to the question as to whether GMAT or GRE is easier is quite subjective. It depends on the skillset, pre existing knowledge and strengths of the individual appearing for it. As a result, this skill set varies from person to person. Candidates who are good in quantitative skills are best suited for GMAT as the GRE quant section is quite straightforward. Candidates with strong vocabulary skills will find GRE easier. Therefore, you should first understand your skill set and strengths and weaknesses, and accordingly decide which test to appear for and start preparations.

GRE vs GMAT: Which exam to take?

A lot of candidates face difficulties while deciding which exam to opt for, GMAT or GRE. The below mentioned are some factors which one can consider to decide which exam to appear for:

• Academic goals: As you know, GRE is for any graduate program whereas GMAT is only for business graduate program. If you are someone who is still deciding which graduate program to opt for, you can appear for GRE as it is wider as compared to GMAT which is restricted only to business graduate programs.
• Personal Strength and Weakness: You have to identify your strength and weakness as it would help you in doing really good in the exam you opt for. If you have strong mathematical knowledge then opt for GMAT but if you have weak mathematical knowledge and strong vocabulary skills then opt for GRE. Therefore, it depends on your personal strength and weakness.
• Preparation Time and Resources: While deciding which test to appear for, take into consideration the structure of the exam, decide on a study schedule and where to access the resources from. There are a lot of materials, practice tests which one can find online.
• Test- Taking Strategies and Preferences: It depends on the skillset and preferences of the candidate based on which one should decide whether to appear for GMAT or GRE. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses will help the candidate in deciding on a strategy.
• Cost and Accessibility: The cost to apply for the GMAT exam is slightly expensive as compared to the GRE exam. Both the exams are conducted in online mode.
• Career Goals: Decide on your future goals and what career you want to pursue. Depending on your career goals, choose which exam will help you get into the University you wish for to achieve these goals.

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This article gives a detailed insight as to what is the difference between the two exams and how you can make the right choice. Based on these factors, decide which test suits you more and start your preparations. Create a proper study schedule, identify which areas you need to work on more and collect all the materials and resources, take practice tests and prepare for the exam.

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